Illegal Bayrak television (30.09.14) reports that the Turkish Minister of
Foreign Affairs Mevlut Cavusoglu held a meeting with the UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon at the site of the UN General Assembly in New
York. The Cyprus problem was among the issues discussed between them
during the meeting.

Ban stated that the UN will continue to offer their assistance to the
Cyprus negotiations and added that more progress must be made in the
issues where conciliation was achieved before. He also referred to the
appointment of Espen Barth Eide as the new UN Special Envoy and added
that Eide is very capable and will give acceleration to the progress.

On his part, Cavusoglu stated that both Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot
leader Dervis Eroglu have demonstrated their will for a solution and
stressed the importance of taking confidence building measures.

[02] Eroglu: I don't think about the "presidential elections" at this
moment

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (30.09.14) reports that the Turkish Cypriot
leader Dervis Eroglu said that he has not announced his "candidacy"
yet for the upcoming "presidential elections".

Evaluating his contacts in New York in a press conference upon his
arrival at the occupied airport of Tymbou, Eroglu said that he had
no time to think about the upcoming "presidential elections" as he is
concentrating on the 3rd phase of the Cyprus negotiations process that
they had entered. He added: "At this moment I am not in the position
to think about the elections. With the arrival of Eide, there is a
hope for acceleration of the negotiations. It is an aspect. My focus
is on the proposals I will submit on the table, the proposals that the
Greek Cypriots will submit on the table, and to intensify our works
regarding these with my team. For this reason I am not thinking about
the presidential elections."

He concluded by saying that when the day comes and makes his decision
regarding his "candidacy" then he will not keep it secret from his
"people".

Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (30.09.14) reports that Mustafa
Akinci, who has announced that he will be running as candidate in the
"presidential elections" which will be held next year in the occupied
area of Cyprus, visited yesterday Turk-Sen trade union and announced his
vision in view of the April 2015 "elections", during statements he made
prior to his meeting with Arslan Bicakli, the union's chairman.

Akinci announced his vision on four fields, writes the paper, adding that
he said that in case he is "elected" he will follow a policy focused on
the solution of the Cyprus problem. Akinci expressed the belief that
Confidence Building Measures (CBM) which will further facilitate the
comprehensive solution should be submitted at the negotiating table. He
underlined the necessity of producing new formulas that will "overcome
the difficulties in the sea and air transport" in return of the opening
of the occupied fenced off city of Varosha.

"If you look at what is said, everyone wants a solution, but if you
recall that in the past those who say these had been saying that 'the
non-solution is a solution', a big difference arouses", he noted. He
further added that it is difficult to believe that those who rejected
the plan submitted in 2004 are now in favour of the solution. "How can
you find a solution with politicians who say that 'I am not giving back
even a single small stone'" he wondered and pointed out that consistency
should exist between words and deeds.

Akinci argued that the Greek Cypriot side should also seriously seek a
solution and alleged that the Greek Cypriot side, as he described the
Republic of Cyprus, "unilaterally" joined the EU due to what he called
as mistakes by the Turkish side ten years ago. He claimed that everyone,
Turkey, Greece, the EU and the Greek Cypriots took what they wanted during
that process. Only the Turkish Cypriots remained outside, he argued.

Referring to the natural gas reserves found in Cyprus' exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) and the economic crisis experienced in the
government-controlled area of the island, Akinci described these two
elements as being "encouraging" for a solution and added: "The big states
have always a Plan B. Other formulas could be produced here. Therefore,
we have to be alert and to definitely push for a rational federative
system which targets the feasible".

Akinci criticized the fact that a visit of a technical committee could
not be realized to the occupied fenced off city of Varosha because of the
proposal to include a Greek Cypriot member in this committee and argued:
"Behaviours that go beyond the ordinary are needed [for the Turkish
Cypriot side]. You cannot take a step otherwise. The Greek Cypriot
side also needs to go beyond the ordinary. They are at the position
of being the only owners of the Republic of Cyprus for years. However,
the approaches which you will bring should push them to the solution".

Akinci said that his second "vision" is a healthy relation with Turkey,
a relation with "a distinctive personality". He argued that the
"institutions and organizations" of the Turkish Cypriots should be
accepted and treated as equal by Turkey. Within this framework, the
"institutions" of the "TRNC" should be administered in a better way,
he said, referring to the cases of the Turkish Cypriot "airlines",
the occupied Nicosia "municipality" and the "Cyprus Airport Services".

Referring to his other two "visions", Akinci noted that the third one
is that the "president" should be impartial and not interfere in the
internal affairs of the political parties and the fourth is that the
"people's" problems, such as the environment, employment, preventing
traffic accidents e.t.c., should become the priority of the "president".

(I/Ts.)

[04] Yorgancioglu: The natural gas reserves off the island has put the
Turkish side in a better position this time

Under the title "Turkish Cyprus at better advantage in talks this time
around", Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 29.09.14) reported that
self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu, in an interview with the
paper, said that "Cyprus has great natural gas potential, and with the
Middle East region riddled with clashes and warfare, the TRNC (editor's
note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus)
is better off this time around in the ongoing talks for a settlement on
the island".

Evaluating the Cyprus talks, Yorgancioglu said: "'Turkish Cyprus'
currently has a better advantage in the peace talks, as opposed to its
situation in past negotiation processes, which all failed". He also said
that Anastasiades should prepare the Greek Cypriots for a joint solution
on the island, adding: "I don't think that they are working hard enough
regarding this matter. As talks are going on for a settlement, they
should also explain to their own people what a potential settlement
might be like".

He also said that the natural gas reserves off the island, coupled
with conflict in nearby countries, has put the Turkish side in a better
position this time.

If the island turns up good amounts of natural gas, it will most likely
have to be transported through Turkey to Europe, giving both the Greek
side and the EU an important incentive to push for a comprehensive
settlement on the island.

He said that the island's natural resources can improve the quality of
life for both "peoples" and increase their income. "We believe that it is
time that this turns into practice and not stay as a thought anymore. This
is an outcome expected not only by Turkish and Greek Cypriots, but also
by Turkey, Greece and EU member states."

He said that "Turkish Cyprus", whose residents voted in favour of
the reunification Annan plan, was motivated by the prospects of an EU
membership. Greek Cypriots voted against the plan. "We missed the train
at that time," he said. "This happened because the Greek Cypriots were
admitted [into the EU] before a settlement was achieved, but now there
is the natural gas option, which will improve the quality of life of
both Greek and Turkish Cypriots."

He concluded that the two leaders should be persistent and determined
to bring the peace talks to a successful completion.

According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi Daily News (online,
29.09.14), British High Commissioner Damian Roderic Todd, visited the
chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO) Fikri Toros
on Monday at the KTTO building in the occupied part of Lefkosia.

Speaking during Todd's visit, Toros expressed his gratitude for
High Commissioner Todd's visit. Sharing information about the Cyprus
Turkish Chamber of Commerce's history and the chamber's activities and
operations, Toros also touched upon the Cyprus negotiations. He stressed
the importance of the period and stated that as KTTO they have been
putting significant effort for the business world to contribute.

Toros also informed Todd about the chamber's activities aiming to increase
the trust between the two communities, stating that they will continue
their activities regarding this subject, carrying out all duties on
their part. Toros also asked for the British High Commissioner's full
support so that they can realize their activities.

Speaking during the meeting, Todd thanked Toros for the briefing regarding
KTTO's activities and the roles the chamber has undertaken during the
negotiations.

Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (30.09.14) reports that
the general secretary of the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) Kutlay Erk
stated that he finds odd the statements that the Turkish Cypriots cannot
administrate the water which will be transferred from Turkey. Erk was
participating in a television program.

"We will administrate this water", Erk stated and added that the Turkish
Cypriots are capable of doing so and it would be a tragedy if they
transferred this right to someone else. "From time to time there are
statements by Turkish officials that we cannot do this job; I say that
we should have confidence in our ability", Erk said.

Asked if the "minister of environment and natural resources" Hamit
Bakirci, who said that the Turkish Cypriots have not the necessary
knowledge and infrastructure to administrate the weather should resign,
Erk said that Bakirci should resign.

[07] The "Union of the Relatives of Missing Persons" demands by all
countries involved in the Cyprus problem to open their archives

Under the title: "Open the archives", Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi
(30.09.14) reports in its front page that the "Union of the Relatives
of the Missing Persons in Cyprus" has stated that they believe that the
fate of the missing persons is in the archives of the states involved
in the Cyprus problem and asked for the opening of those archives.

As the paper points out, the union was established with the aim to
function towards the direction of contributing and encouraging the efforts
for finding the missing persons and to contribute to the formation of
a news system on the issue.

The union proposed further the establishment of an "Investigation and
Confrontation of the Truth Committee" stressing that 50 years are enough
for them to wait.

According to the Union, the autonomous Committee of Missing Persons (CMP)
confronts the issue of the missing persons as a "job", adding that this
situation increases their pain.

The Union underlines also that they believe that the fate of their
relatives is hidden into the archives of the Republic of Cyprus, the
"Turkish Cypriot administration", Greece, Turkey and the UK.

(AK)

[08] The breakaway regime participates in the South African Solar
Challenge 2014 race using its "flag"

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi (30.09.14) reports that the illegal
Near East University (YDU) is participating with a solar car in the
South African Solar Challenge 2014 race which is taking place in the
city of Bloemfontein.

According to the paper, the founder of YDU Suat I. Gunsel stated that
the breakaway regime participates in the race as "TRNC" and with its own
"flag".

[09] One more case of cheating by a constructor in the occupied area
of Cyprus

Under the title: "We will lose our residences", Turkish Cypriot daily
Kibris newspaper (30.09.14) reports that the residents of Olivia Site in
the occupied area of Cyprus faces the threat to lose their houses since
the occupied Keryneia "Land Registry offices" has decided to put for sale
on November 2, 2014 four plots of land into which the site is constructed.

According to the paper, the residents of the apartments of this site
were shocked by this decision and expressed fears that they will live
a similar disaster with that of Kulaksiz case.

The paper points out that the spokesman of the residents of the Olivia
Site, Izzet Turkmen has stated that the residents bought their apartments
in 2008 by a developer called Mithat Paksoy and explained that the
residents were deceived by this person who went bankrupt.

According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (29.09.14), Turkish Energy
Minister Taner Yildiz said that Russia will continue with its $22 billion
nuclear energy investment in Turkey, and both countries will strengthen
economic cooperation despite their differences in outlook regarding
regional political issues.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum's Special Meeting entitled "Unlocking
Resources for Regional Development" in Istanbul, Yildiz said that he
will visit Moscow on Wednesday to discuss Russia's economic investments
in Turkey.

The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project is estimated to cost around $20
billion and a total of $3.5 billion worth of equipment is expected to
be used in the construction process, of which $1.8 billion will be spent
this year alone.

If the project license is approved, the reactor construction is estimated
to begin in 2016, and be operational by 2020 with the entire plant being
fully operational by 2023.

Yildiz also said that despite the political instability in the Middle
East, the conflicts will not prevent Turkey becoming an energy hub in the
near future. "With the international projects that Turkey participates in,
the country will shine as a symbol of stability in the region and will
continue to make such projects lighten the political burden," he added.

[11] Barroso: I would like chapters 23 and 24 to be opened as soon
as possible

According to Ankara Anatolia news agency (30.09.14), the European Union
will continue to enlarge, the outgoing European Commission President
Jose Manuel Barroso has told the World Economic Forum in Istanbul.

"EU's enlargement will continue because a bigger Europe is a stronger
Europe," he said, touching upon Turkey's bid to join the union, ongoing
since negotiations began in 2005.

Barroso, former Prime Minister of Portugal, added: "I would like new
chapters to be opened as soon as possible, in particular chapters 23 and
24." These chapters focus on the 'judiciary and fundamental rights' and
'justice, freedom and security.' Opening discussions on these areas is
expected to be the first step in re-launching the long-stalled talks.

Barroso also identified Turkey as the largest recipient of pre-accession
assistance, receiving 4.8 billion euro ($6.1 billion) between 2007
and 2013. It will receive a further 4.5 billion euro over in the next
six years.

According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 29.09.14), Turkish
tanks took up position on a hill overlooking the besieged Syrian border
town of Kobane on Sept. 29 after several shells hit Turkish territory
as militants of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fired
on the town, a Reuters correspondent said.

At least 15 tanks were positioned, some with their guns pointed
towards Syrian territory, near a Turkish military base just northwest
of Kobane. Plumes of smoke rose up as shells hit both the eastern and
western sides of the city.

More tanks and armoured vehicles moved towards the Syrian border after
at least two shells hit Turkish territory on Sept. 29, without causing
damage.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that ISIL fighters had
advanced within five kilometers of Kobane on Sept. 29. "It is the closest
distance ISIL has come so far," said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the
London-based monitor.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Parliament is set to discuss joining the anti-ISIL
coalition. The government said Sept. 29 it was likely to submit motions
to parliament within 24 hours requesting extended mandates for military
action in Iraq and Syria, so Ankara can join the U.S.-led international
coalition against ISIL militants.

"The motions have not yet been sent to parliament. They may come
tomorrow," Parliamentary Speaker Cemil Cicek was quoted as saying by NTV
television. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said the motions will be
debated on Oct. 2.

According to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (online, 29.09.14) drugs,
violence and racism would spread among the youth if Turkey's compulsory
religion courses are abolished by the government, President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan claimed on Sept. 29.

Speaking at a symposium on combating drugs in Istanbul, Erdogan defended
religious education in schools by saying that children with a lack
of religious and moral education tried to fill the "gap" with other
things. "Sometimes they use drugs, sometimes violence and sometimes
organized violence, which turns into terrorism," he said.

The existence of a religious culture and classes on morality must not be
opened to discussion, said Erdogan, adding that religious education in
schools helped in the fight against "drug addiction, terrorism, violence,
racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia."

Erdogan also said compulsory physics and chemistry courses are not being
questioned by the European Union, while they question the necessity of
compulsory religion classes.

Erdogan's remarks came after a European Court of Human Rights' (ECHR)
ruling on Sept. 16 which stated that the Turkish education system is
"still inadequately equipped to ensure respect for parents' convictions"
and therefore violated the "right to education," in a case that stemmed
from Alevi complaints about mandatory religion classes.

Erdogan slammed the ECHR decision. "This is an incorrect ruling and
there is no similar example in the West," the President said. "The
mandatory physics classes, the mandatory chemistry classes are not
sources of debate anywhere around the world, but everybody talks about
the religious courses."
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